Forum:
I have just purchased a set (4) of aftermarket ball joints, 2 upper and 2 lower and notice a few differences. The tops I had to remove the studs from the old ones as none were supplied, not difficult but on inserting them to the new units they were smaller than the holes in the unit. Agsin,not a problem as long as you clean the thread and use a split washer on each although I would have expected the news ones to include new studs. Still o the top the boot on the original had a steel washer that went inside the boot o protect, I assume the rubber boot. This was not on the new unit. A very easy job and much easier than many others that I have done.
The new lower units are supplied with new bolts and nylocs but do not have grease nipples so I assume are a sealed unit. I am yet to fit these but do not anticipate any problems. Has anyone else fitted these lower type without grease nipples? I know that most new ball joints are sealed but it seemed a bit odd that uppers should be with nipples and lowers without. The dust boots on the lowers are well sealed but contain no grease.
Its for cheapness and lack of
Its for cheapness and lack of durability; or in real speak its purely for items that don't last as long so more profit.
You can fit grease nipples by drilling them at the appropriate place 3.2mm and tapping a 4mm thread into them and fitting a grease nipple with a 4mm thread.
Alternatively you could lift the top clips off the rubbers and inject some grease in by lifting the boot gently and injecting grease in with a syringe, refit the rubber boot in its groove and flick the metal clip back into place. My Shogun doesn't have grease nipples either so inject grease in using this method and I have turned my own needle which fits onto my grease gun.
Hello stranger.
Top and Bottom Ball Joints
Sounds like so many things these days profit before quality. Have decided to delay replacement of others until they become a problem. I will certainly look at the injection suggestion although the rubber boots on the lower joints are glued rather than clipped at their base to the joint, perhaps a syringe down the neck may be possible. When the time comes I 'll see what can be done. thanks for you comments.
M J Young